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Marcelo in the Real World
Marcelo in the Real World
Author: Francisco X. Stork
Marcelo Sandoval hears music no one else can hear--part of the autism-like impairment no doctor has been able to identify--and he's always attended a special school where his differences have been protected. But the summer after his junior year, his father demands that Marcelo work in his law firm's mailroom in order to experience "...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780545054744
ISBN-10: 0545054745
Publication Date: 3/1/2009
Pages: 320
Reading Level: Young Adult
Rating:
  • Currently 3.4/5 Stars.
 13

3.4 stars, based on 13 ratings
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

GeniusJen avatar reviewed Marcelo in the Real World on + 5322 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Reviewed by Sarah Bean the Green Bean Teen Queen for TeensReadToo.com

Marcelo is seventeen and has an Asperger's-like condition. He goes to a special school and has a summer job lined up caring for the therapy horses at his school. But Marcelo's father has other plans - he wants Marcelo to experience the real world.

He gets Marcelo a job working in the mail room of his law firm. Marcelo isn't interested in working at the law firm, but his father makes him a deal - survive in the real world and he won't have to go to the public high school his father would like him to attend for his senior year.

While working at the firm, Marcelo uncovers secrets, experiences friendship, fights a battle for justice, and learns about the real world.

I was first drawn to this book because of Marcelo - I was interested in reading a book written from the perspective of a character with Asperger's. I thought it would be a story about Marcelo navigating the real world, but there was so much more. Marcelo finds himself faced with tough decisions, and fighting a battle between what's right and wrong, and I think anyone can relate to his struggles. There's some mystery, some romance, and even some religious searching all packed in these pages.

Marcelo hears internal music and music is a connection for Marcelo and Jasmine, his co-worker in the mail room. This novel is beautifully written and there were times I could hear the music in Marcelo's words. I also enjoyed the fact that the book is written in first person from Marcelo's point of view. It was interesting to get inside Marcelo's head and understand how he processed things.

Jasmine is an inspiration. She's patient, she's kind, and she's smart. We could all hope to be like Jasmine, especially when dealing with people who are "different."

If you want to see the real world through new eyes, be sure to pick up a copy of MARCELO IN THE REAL WORLD.
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skywriter319 avatar reviewed Marcelo in the Real World on + 784 more book reviews
MARCELO IN THE REAL WORLD is an unassuming winner that's deserving of all the praise it's received. Sensitive, touching, and hopeful, this remarkable book will make you rethink your position in life, and the influences you can have on it.

Marcelo is an incredibly genuine protagonist. Reading his narration feels in a way like a novelization of the character of Forrest Gump: that charming, yet heartbreaking, guilelessness, the literal way with which he looks at the world, the difficult lessons he can only learn through experience. The completeness with which Francisco Stork seems to know his protagonist is astonishing, and convincingly touching as a result.

In a sense, MARCELO IN THE REAL WORLD is a celebration of characters, both good and bad. A law firm is an interesting but quite genius place to set such a story, as it allows Marceloâand readersâto come in contact with people who lie and manipulate, and yet have people they love, and dreams they aspire to. Marcelo's changing relationship with his father is particularly well done, as it shows us the all-too-real complexities of loving people with good and bad parts.

Sometimes the plot feels slow (it took a few chapters before I got into the story), and sometimes the scenes are disjointed, but overall MARCELO IN THE REAL WORLD is an amazing accomplishment. I highly recommend that everyone read this book: it might encourage you to approach the world around you differently, with a more open mind and heart.
pih avatar reviewed Marcelo in the Real World on + 7 more book reviews
I absolutely loved this book. I found it on the new books shelf in the library of the high school where I substituted. I have bought several copies to share with my friends, especially my friends with autistic children. I have told my colleagues who deal with Aspberger's that it is a must read. I know parents like Marcello's Dad, and I have told them about the book. I have dealt with several students with Aspberger's, and I am privileged to call one a friend. The book is charming, very readable, and very honest. I highly recommend it.
reviewed Marcelo in the Real World on + 168 more book reviews
5 stars! I adored this book. I totally fell in love with Marcello. This book is told in first person narration, from the point of view of Marcello who is on the autism spectrum.

It's just such a wonderful perspective - the world from Marcello's brain. It was utterly delightful - both the good and the bad.

Actually, by the end of this book, I was wishing more people saw the world as Marcello does. Would definitely recommend this to everyone, and I'd read more by the author.


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